Tag: Megan Rapinoe

Graphic Courtesy of Natalie Dettmer

USA Repeat as World Cup Champions Winning a Historic 4th WWC Title

Heading into the match it was uncertain if some of the top players on both teams would be able to play. But when the starting lineups were announced the players in question of Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle for the United States and Lieke Martens for the Netherlands were all starting.

Many predicted the United States winning this game by three or four goals and would roll to their fourth title with no problem. The Netherlands were looked at as inexperienced since this was only their second World Cup appearance and first ever finals appearance.

Entering the game the USA had scored a goal in the first 13 minutes of each of their games so far. If the Netherlands could weather the initial storm and not fall to an early goal then perhaps they could put the USA in panic mode and score first.

The USA came out swinging and had high pressure offense on the Netherlands. The Dutch defense proved they were up to the task blocking shots and clearly out any chance the USA had. Perhaps the biggest reason the USA stayed out of the back of the net was because of the Netherlands’ goalkeeper, Sar van Veenendaal, the eventual Gold Glove winner. van Veenedaal made save after save and some from point blank range. None better than her stop on Julie Ertz in the 38th minute.

The Netherlands would go on to blank the USA in the first half for the first time all tournament. The 0-0 scoreline was no surprise for the Netherlands who had been tied at halftime in every one of their previous matches and then gone on to win. However would the Dutch be able to keep the USA at bay for a full 90 minutes?

The first half did provide a physical first half that had ramifications for the rest of the game including a head-to-head collision between Kelley O’Hara and Lieke Martens. O’Hara was subbed out right after halftime with concussion symptoms and Martens was subbed out of the game in the 70th minute. Martens did have a toe injury entering the game but the collision had to be a factor as well.

The second half started with the USA in the attack for the majority of the time with the Dutch finding counter attacks here and there. It felt like a goal was going to be scored before the referee would signal the game was over at 90 minutes. Either the USA would finally be able to finish a shot from one of their buildups or the Dutch would get a goal on a breakaway.

The pressure from the USA was at least forcing the Netherlands to play defense too close to goal and create multiple chances inside the box. The Dutch’s desire to just clear the ball out got to be too much when a ball in intended for USA forward, Alex Morgan, seemed like a potential goal scoring opportunity. Stefanie van der Gragt of the Netherlands stuck her foot out to try and knock the ball away, but she swung her leg too high and hit the shoulder of Morgan knocking her to the ground. Initially the referee signaled a corner kick since Morgan is known for not being the most physical player and falling to the ground quite often. But she was informed to re-look at the play and go to VAR. Would it really be a final game without VAR interference?

The referee looked at the play and deemed it warranted a yellow card and more consequentially a penalty kick. Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take the penalty kick. She shot a ball into the right side of the net, not hit extremely well, but van Veenendaal guessed the wrong way and the USA were up 1-0. The goal would be the sixth of the tournament for Rapinoe, and with her three assists she was awarded the Gold Boot for most goals at the WWC.

The Netherlands lost a little bit in their play after the goal happened even with plenty of time left in the game. Once the USA can tell a team is doubting themselves they find a way to strike. The Dutch were giving the USA way too much space and Rose Lavelle took advantage of it weaving in and out of traffic from the half way line into the offensive box. She played the ball to her own left foot and hit a ball into the corner of the goal. Putting the USA up 2-0.

Instead of bunkering into defense early like they had against France and England the USA kept pressure up not giving the Dutch too many chances. The Netherlands were resilient in their play and other than the minutes between the two goals they did not looked overly matched or inferior to the United States.

Unfortunately, the Dutch were never able to get a goal of their own losing the game 2-0. An obvious disappointing finish since they were not the team to lift the trophy, but what they accomplished should not be overlooked or diminished from this game. They are the defending European Champions, they made the WWC Final for the first time, they have qualified for the Olympics for the first time in their history and their second place finish is tied for the best the Dutch men’s side has ever finished even with more funding and support for a longer period of time.

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When asked about the impact from getting second place at the WWC for women’s soccer in the Netherlands their head coach, Sarina Wiegman, said, “I hope this shows everyone in the Netherlands what the potential women’s football has and that we can improve our competition… Hopefully this achievement helps in developing the competition and also the youth development for younger girls.” To think that this already impressive World Cup run by the Netherlands could have been even better with more support from their federation is hard to even fathom what the result would be, but perhaps it could have resulted in the Dutch winning the trophy over the USA.

The USA was the best team at the Women’s World Cup and deserved the trophy. They won back-to-back World Cup titles and their fourth title overall. There have only been eight Women’s World Cup tournaments and the USA have half of the championships showing their domination in women’s soccer. The team was criticized for the lackluster games entering the tournament, poor defense and their arrogance on the field with their celebrations. But at the end of the tournament they proved that none of that mattered and the USA are still the best team in the world.

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The US team has stated that this World Cup has been different from the last and even more challenging. Head coach, Jill Ellis added to that after the game saying,

“The level overall is the women’s game is growing exponentially. This was incredibly difficult. The teams we had to come through were some of the best in the world. In terms of the path and the level, this was pretty challenging.
 
“I knew after 2016 we had to deconstruct and reconstruct the team. That was hard. But to get to this point and see the validation in all our work, it speaks for itself. People out there know about 1/10th of what we do. Congratulations to the Netherlands. They’re a world class team and they gave us a heck of a game tonight.”

The USA had to step up their level of play because the rest of the World has stepped up their play as well. With the quality in women’s soccer rising hopefully federations and countries can see what the women’s game can do at the next World Cup and even the 2020 Olympics.

Women’s World Cup Awards

Gold Ball: (best player): Megan Rapinoe USA

SIlver Ball: Lucy Bronze ENG

Bronze Ball: Rose Lavelle USA

Golden Boot (most goals): Megan Rapinoe USA

Silver Boot: Alex Morgan USA

Bronze Boot: Ellen White ENG

Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Sari  van Veenendaal NED

Young Player Award: Giulia Gwinn GER

Fair Play Award (team with least amount of fouls): France

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Schmed

USA Goes to Their Third World Cup Final in a Row

Before the game even kicked off this match made headlines. Megan Rapinoe who has scored five goals in the World Cup for the United States and four goals over the past two games was not in the starting lineup. This was a baffling decision and one that was only verified after the game as a decision because of an injury to Rapinoe’s hamstring.

England had some starting lineup news as well with their goalkeeper Karen Bardsley out with an injury. Her replacement, Carly Telford, does have experience in the World Cup since she started in their group stage game against Argentina.

Once the game did begin the United States had another signature quick start. Every game at this World Cup they have scored in the first 15 minutes and today’s match was no different.

Kelley O’Hara received a well played through ball on the far right side near the end line. She cross a ball into the box with just one touch and found Christen Press running unmarked into the box. Press was the player who replaced Rapinoe in the starting 11. She removed all doubt that she was qualified to start when she took that cross and headed it right into goal just ten minutes into the game.

After the goal, England was on their own mission to find the equalizer. The Lionesses would knock on the door many times to try and get that goal. Luckily for them they would not have to wait long.

Beth Mead had some space on the left side of the pitch. She took a few touches and then played a line drive cross to Ellen White right at the six-yard box. White just had to get her foot on the end of the cross to redirect the ball to the goalpost and into the net. 19 minutes into the match and already a 1-1 scoreline.

Rose Lavelle played spectacular for the United States. She took players on, took shots from all over that nearly resulted in goals and even had a nice nutmeg on the day. Her play on the field undoubtedly opened up space for the whole US team. It felt like the US would find another goal before the first half ended and when the USA needs a goal who do they look to? Alex Morgan.

Morgan had not scored a goal since the opening match when she had five goals. But in big moments big players step up. Lindsey Horan played a ball in perfectly to Morgan who jumped up and nodded the ball into the goal. Morgan turned 30 years old today, but the numbers that matter more to her are 2-1, the lead for the UWSNT.

After a whirlwind start with three goals in just 31 minutes, the game would settle down and stay 2-1 going into halftime.

Both teams would have chances in the second half, but nothing too substantial in the early minutes. England did have what seemed like another tying goal in the 67th minute, but thanks to everyone’s favorite three letter acronym, VAR, the goal was ruled off by a very tight offside call.

But just 12 minutes later VAR would have a substantial call go England’s way. A ball was crossed into the box right to White who just had to tap the ball in for a goal. Initially, it looked like she just whiffed at the ball, but upon further review there was small contact by US defender, Becky Sauerbrunn, and a penalty was awarded.

Nikita Parris had been taking the penalties for England but she is only 1/3 with penalties at the World Cup. So captain Steph Houghton stepped up to take it. With all of the delays there were less than ten minutes left to play and it seemed like England would score and this game would head to extra time.

The United States’ goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, had been criticized all tournament and deemed the weak link of the USA’s defense. Up until this game started she had only had four saves all tournament.

Houghton tried to place the ball into the lower left side of the goal, but she did not hit the ball with enough pace and Naeher guessed the right way. She easily blocked the shot and gathered the ball. Her teammates swarmed her with hugs, but she stayed focused and urged them to carry on with the game. The naysayers can be put to rest about Naeher. The USA have themselves a goalkeeper who can step up in big moments.

With seven minutes of regular time left and then eventually seven minutes of stoppage time, England had time to find a goal. But they struggled with time management. Fouling constantly and taking ill advised shots that limited their offensive opportunities. The most costly foul would come from Millie Bright who committed a cleats up foul on Morgan. The foul warranted a yellow card, the second for Bright in the game. Now the Lionesses would be chasing the USA with one less player on the field.

England would not be able to gather themselves enough to find a tying goal and the USA would go onto win 2-1. This is the third straight WWC Finals appearance for the USA and fifth overall. They are trying to get their fourth World Cup title. The loss for England is their second straight loss in the semifinals and the second straight semifinals they have lost 2-1. England will now play for third place.

After the match Phil Neville did speak about the game being disappointing since winning the World Cup was their goal and he continued to echo his belief that winning is everything. “It’s about winning. I can’t say to my players at the end that’s unlucky because they don’t want to wear that because they wanted to win… And that tells me that we are closer than we’ve ever been because maybe in the past we’ve probably accepted semifinal yes we’re happy we’re going on and we’ll get lots of supporters. But my players don’t want to wear that anymore they’re sick of it and so am I. We came here to win and we didn’t do that. And that’s sport for you.“

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The disappointment and devastation of losing in the semifinals will be a lot for the players to get over. However, England will have to gather themselves and prepare for the third place match and hang their heads proudly also knowing they have qualified for the Olympics next year and strive for that title in 2020.

The United States are moving on to defend their World Cup Title. Many believe they would not have been able to get to the Final if not for the play of Naeher and her penalty save late in the game. Morgan said “Alyssa Naeher came up huge for them with the save” and head coach Jill Ellis added, “She (Naeher) shone tonight, I mean she was the brightest… I give her full credit. People are just starting to see glimpses of what I see everyday in training in terms of her capabilities.” and then ended it with, “Hell of a save for sure.”

The USA may very well need her to step up again in their last match. The USA will have to wait to find out who their opponent for the final will be. The Netherlands and Sweden will face-off in their semifinal tomorrow at 3 pm ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Noah Salzman

Today’s WWC Games Produced Drama and Question Marks

Today proved to be a low scoring day with just four goals and only eight shots on goal between both of the matchups. But the limited goals also meant two tight games and intense moments up until the final play.

It opened up with a game between the United States and Spain. Many people believed Spain would be outmatched and outplayed by the number one team in the world. But Spain kept up with the United States and even exploited some of the holes in the United States’ defense.

There was no surprise however, in the US scoring in the first 15 minutes which they have done in all four of their World Cup games so far. In the 8th minute of play Tobin Heath was weaving with the ball in the box when she was fouled by Mapi León of Spain. The foul was harsh enough to warrant a penalty and Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take it. The Spanish goalkeeper dove to her left but Rapinoe went to the other side for the easy goal.

Spain would not hang their heads and instead capitalized on a United States miscue just two minutes after the US scored. Alyssa Naeher, the US goalkeeper, played a ball from a free kick to Becky Sauerbrunn. The ball was deep in the United States defensive half when Sauerbrunn received it and she immediately felt pressure from Spain. The pressure proved to be too much for the veteran defender and she turned the ball over to Lucía García. With Naeher well off her line García played the ball to Jenni Hermoso who hooked the ball into the top right corner of the net. Only 10 minutes into the game and it was already 1-1.

Fans were stunned with what had transpired and figured they were in for a high scoring game. However they would have to wait until the 75th minute to see another goal. Rose Lavelle for the United States was dribbling in Spain’s defensive box. Virginia Torrecilla briefly tapped Lavelle’s leg and she fell to the ground. The referee awarded a penalty, but may felt it was the wrong call and a pretty weak penalty. Some people couldn’t even tell if Torrecilla touched Lavelle before she fell. Regardless of what fans thought the United States were given the penalty and once again Rapinoe went up to take it. She shot the ball to the same exact side and got the same exact result as the first penalty giving the US a 2-1 lead.

The result would stand and the US are through to the quarterfinals. The game was not the United States best game, but the result is all that matters even if the defense looked shaky at times and the fact they had no goals at the run of play is concerning. If they are to get to the semifinals they will have to defeat a very impressive French team. France did beat the US back in January 3-1 and the loss created plenty of speculation about the quality of the US defense. Today’s game against Spain further reiterated these concerns and produces question marks about whether the United States can go far in the World Cup. The US will face off against France on Friday at 3 pm ET on FOX.

The USA France matchup has been the talk of the tournament ever since the groups were selected back in December. When Rapinoe was asked about the upcoming game she seems to be just as excited as the fans and expects the game of the tournament to take place.

The second game of the day between Sweden and Canada saw just one goal in the 55th minute. A great ball from Kosovare Asllani was played just inside the 18-yeard box to Stina Blackstenius who made a sliding kick that knocked the ball into the goal.

The game itself did not create too many chances for either team and defense was the word of the game. The lone goal from Sweden did give Canada a sense of urgency to score. Their best opportunity came in the form of a penalty kick in the 69th minute. Christine Sinclair who has the second most goals all time in international competition would have been assumed as the player to take the penalty for Canada. But Janine Beckie stepped to the spot and sent a well hit ball into the lower left corner. It seemed like it had enough pace to earn a goal, but Sweden’s goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl made the diving save.

1-0 would stand as the final score sending Sweden into the quarterfinals and Canada with another underwhelming World Cup showing. Despite being one of the top ranked teams Canada has never made it past the quarterfinals.

Five out of the six teams to make it to the quarterfinals are from Europe meaning at least one all Europe game will take place. With Sweden advancing that all European game was set. Sweden will continue their World Cup journey when they face Germany on Saturday at 12:30 pm ET on FS1.